NEWS

All 3 teams of student manager missionaries return home from life changing mission trips to Africa.

Minneapolis, MN. August 5, 2015 –

Student Managers working with collegiate athletic programs throughout the country have returned home after spending 3 weeks serving at orphanages in Uganda, Zambia, and Ghana. Each individual has been recognized by MOAM as a future leader of sport, and was awarded the opportunity to join MOAM for the fully funded mission trip.

MOAMs team of mini missionaries provided support to 3 Rafiki Foundation orphanages during their 3 week ‘holiday’ from classes. This break often leaves Rafiki’s orphanages very short-staffed with as little as 2-3 full time missionaries left to direct the orphanages of approximately 100 children ranging from ages 3-18 years old. MOAM was blessed with this opportunity to help fill this void through providing 3 weeks of sports camps, and other support as needed at each village.

Highlights of the trips for the student managers included the opportunity to provide 1 on 1 mentoring/goal setting sessions with each of the older children in Uganda, building a new driveway in Zambia, and joining each cottage of children for nightly devotions in Ghana. Thanks to donations from professional and collegiate sports programs throughout the US, MOAM was also able to leave the villages with over 800 pounds in donations of sports apparel and equipment.

Despite the great support MOAM’s teams were able to provide each orphanage, it remained very clear that MOAM’s missionaries could never give more than they received from the children and overall mission trip experience.

Each student manager has shared their new perspective through several blog posts. An excerpt from each individual can be found below.

“This trip exceeded my expectations. I knew playing sports with the kids would be fun. But the fellowship with the other managers and the time we spent in the Bible in such a unique place was incredible.”- Ben Wright

“Being over in Zambia was, and always will be one of the most incredible opportunities in my life.” – Shane Maloney

“These children, instead of being left to die of preventable diseases or starvation, were given life. And I, who at first appears to have nothing in common with these children, (healthy, living in the United States with parents who love and care about me) was given life too. I was hand-picked to go to Uganda. And I was shown true life. I was shown a life characterized by servant hood. A life filled with selflessness and love and joy. A life worthy of Jesus’s sacrifice.” – Katie Wilkins

“I had a boy share the story of how he came to Rafiki with me. He came to Rafiki with many cuts on his head as his parents had been trying to kill him. He then shared about how he had come to Christ and even forgiven his parents. His whole story just left me completely speechless.” – Scott Goode

“The Rafiki children’s faith is so strong and they’re prayers are so thoughtful and kind that I was in awe every single night of their faith in God.“ – Brittany Arlington

“Looking at what God has done with MOAM and the individuals involved, and will continue to do is amazing and without question deserves praise to God.” – Ryan Francis

“I 100% want to work in sports administration and this trip gave me a first-hand opportunity to combine sports and service, which is now an area I will pursue more aggressively when on the job hunt!” – Joseph Kuykendall

About Managers On A Mission (MOAM):

MOAM is a non-profit that collects new and gently used sports apparel from coaches and teams on both college and professional levels around the country. MOAM develops the future leaders of sport through mission trips, service projects, and scholarships with a Christ centered focus on maximizing the platform afforded to the sports industry. The vision of MOAM is to see the world positively impacted by the faith, talent, and resources of the sports industry.

The Rafiki Foundations mission is to help Africans know God and raise their standard of living. Rafiki’s 10 Training Villages in Africa provide childcare programs, bible studies, widow programs, and much more. Each village provides medical, educational, and living services to vulnerable children and orphans as well as train churches in their community.